As Uganda faces an escalating frequency of disasters, Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has issued a strong call for increased and sustained funding to enhance its disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
Speaking at the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction yesterday 13th October, Dr. Brian Kanaahe, Director of Disaster Risk Management at URCS, highlighted the urgent need for a reliable funding mechanism to support long-term disaster risk reduction initiatives across the country.
“Unpredictable and short-term funding is one of the biggest challenges we face. Disaster risk reduction is a long-term intervention, yet we often receive only short-term funding, which limits the effectiveness, sustainability and impact of our initiatives,” Dr. Kanaahe explained. He stressed that without adequate and predictable funding, efforts to address Uganda’s growing disaster risks will continue to fall short.
The National Society, operating through a nationwide network of 51 branches and supported by over 90% youth among its volunteers, members and first responders, is at the frontline of disaster response in Uganda. With such a wide reach and a robust operational framework, URCS is uniquely positioned through its auxiliary role to the government to address the country’s disaster challenges.
However, Dr. Kanaahe underscored that this potential cannot be fully realized without increased financial support.
“We have permanent structures in place, trained personnel, and a clear mandate established by law. What we need is for the government and partners to allocate more funds to disaster risk reduction efforts through URCS. Our local presence and established standard operating procedures mean we are ready to act, but without sufficient resources, we can’t do so much,” he said.
Uganda’s National Risk and Vulnerability Atlas outlines the top five disaster risks: floods, extended dry conditions, mudslides, lightning, and seismic movements. Health hazards, pandemics, and zoonotic diseases are also becoming more prevalent. URCS has already been instrumental in responding to these threats, but its efforts are limited by funding constraints.
The National Society has introduced innovative solutions like flood-resistant shelters, mobile disaster response units, and community-based early warning systems, the Impact-Based Forecasting Portal (IBF), which provides early flood warnings up to 30 days in advance in specific places like Kasese but sustaining and scaling these initiatives requires consistent financial backing.
“The best way the government and partners can work with us is by strengthening financial commitments to disaster risk reduction. URCS is here to stay and to serve the communities affected by disasters. Increased funding will allow us to sustain and expand our timely life-saving interventions,” Dr. Kanaahe said.
One key proposal put forward by URCS is the establishment of pre-crisis funding agreements with the government and stakeholders. These agreements would secure necessary resources before a disaster strikes, enabling faster and more efficient responses.
Dr. Kanaahe emphasized that disaster risk reduction must be viewed as a long-term investment rather than a short-term emergency response. “To see meaningful change, we need long-term funding. Our interventions, whether it’s planting trees to prevent soil erosion or training young people in climate-smart practices, require sustained efforts over many years,” he said.
In addition to calling for more funding, Dr. Kanaahe highlighted the need for Uganda to pass a Disaster Law, which would create a legal framework for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
According to Dr. Kanaahe, such a law would empower not only Uganda Red Cross Society personnel but also individuals to act during emergencies under legal protection, ensuring that immediate responses are more structured and effective.
“We want the country to have a disaster law that establishes clear guidelines for everyone to act as Good Samaritans. Whether or not a Red Cross volunteer is present, individuals will be mandated and protected by law to respond in emergencies,” Dr. Kanaahe explained.
He added that the law would also provide for individuals to trigger early warning information to the Red Cross and other actors to respond to emergencies.
Furthermore, the law would address the current gap in decision-making when it comes to relocating communities at high risk. As it stands, only the president can declare a state of emergency to mandate the relocation of affected populations. A disaster law would streamline this process, enabling timely interventions that could save lives.
“Right now, no one other than the president can order the relocation of communities at risk, even in extreme situations like floods or landslides. The disaster law would empower all actors to take swift action and streamline these gaps,” Dr. Kanaahe emphasized.
Beyond response, the proposed disaster law is seen as crucial to securing more consistent and sustainable funding for disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives.
Uganda Red Cross Society will be joining the Government of Uganda and other partners in celebrating this year’s Disaster Risk Reduction Day (DRRD) under the theme Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future. The celebrations will take place in Kasese District.